Delhi High Court Issues Notice On PIL Seeking Eviction Of Traders Over Alleged Illegal Encroachment On ‘Heritage Properties’ In Chandni Chowk

The Delhi High Court has issued notice on a public interest litigation seeking eviction of traders allegedly carrying out illegal encroachment on various “heritage properties” situated in Chandni Chowk area.

A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula sought response of the Union Ministry of Culture, Delhi Development Authority, Archaeological Survey of India, National Monuments Authority, Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation and Heritage Conservation Committee.

The plea has been moved by one Sanjay Kumar Vashist, an old resident of Chandi Chowk area, alleging that he has been witnessing illegal encroachers running business in the heritage properties without any permission from any Government body and subsequently destroying them by erecting constructions.

Vashist has said that the properties situated at Chah Rahat in the Vakilpura area were declared as heritage properties vide notification issued on July 29, 2016 in category III in the form of haveli.

It is his case that the properties will be lost during the course of time if they are not protected and that no signs of the rich cultural heritage will be left for the future generations.

Vashist has alleged that he had gone to various government authorities but they did not take the responsibility of preserving the heritage properties. He has alleged that the respondent authorities shrugged off their responsibilities.

“Very naturally the questions arise in mind that if the owners of the subject property could not be traced, who gave the subject properties to the current tenants who are literally changing the nature of the properties for the sake of business. That these properties need to be protected in order to preserve the rich history of Delhi,” the plea states.

The matter will now be heard on December 07.

Advocates Indira Goswami, Sumit Mishra, Anamika and Sitwat Nabi appeared for the petitioner.

CGSC Vineet Dhanda appeared for Union of India.

Standing Counsel Sanjay Katyal, with Advocate Nihal Singh appeared for DDA.

Case Title: SANJAY KUMAR VASHIST v. UNION OF INDIA & ORS.